Private Pick Six

[Zoar]

NEBULON-A SUPPORT FRIGATE ESPY
NESHTAB SYSTEM
​

The Empire had intercepted something over Neshtab.

What it was, Zoar didn't know. In fact, from how the Alliance spy briefed the little Miln over holo, it seemed even the Empire were unaware of what they had. The Imperial frigate Espy, a patrol craft, had caught a covert SIA signal coming from the planet beneath. With the operations underway on Neshtab, the mind didn't have to wander far to imagine any variety of fielded secrets that could jeopardize the Alliance.

But Neshtab was technically a neutral system, which meant the GADF couldn't swarm the ship with assault craft. Even if they could, the action would alert the Espy that it possessed something valuable, giving them the opportunity to escape with their prize. There was a better way. More subtle agents to call upon.

Hence, the shadow and the slicer.

Zoar, for his part, remained silent as their comandeered shuttle flew lazily towards the docking bay of the Nebulon frigate. It had been a simple thing to frankenstein the correct clearance codes to be let aboard. Sure, then Zoar would be a sitting duck in the middle of an Imperial warship, but he didn't even have the most dangerous job on this mission.

That distinction belonged to the mysterious Aurorae. While he provided overwatch from the safety of the shuttle, the Jedi Shadow would have to sneak in alone. With Zoar to guide her, and remotely slice anything that needed slicing, but for the most part, she was on her own, having to move undetected, and insert a data spike into the main communication hub. From there, Zoar could work his magic, delete the intercepted message. Preferably, the Jedi then left, with no Imperials the wiser.

Of course, that wasn't difficult enough for the universe. To only complicate matters, the ship had begun to make it's calculations for a jump to hyperspace, back towards Imperial space. They had thirty minutes.

The hefty set of power armor stared at the masked visage of Aurorae, his anxiety clearly broadcasted through the Force. As was his determination. To do this right. To be useful. To prove he was worthy to call himself Jedi.

//Ooookay. Okayokayokay. Ready?//

- Aurorae -

 

[Aurorae]

Zoar.

This wasn't how she expected to see him again. Not like this, not on a mission like this. The only saving grace was he'd be safe back in the shuttle while she was out in the field. At least he'd be protected. And he could still help. Yeah. That was the only reason she was alright with this mission involving him. Behind her mask she watched the suit of armor. The little body within. The colors from him.

<Ready. You got this.>

She couldn't exactly reveal who she was. Not now. Probably not ever, really. The life of a Shadow was a lonely one.

<Lets begin.>

Zoar

 

[Zoar]

//We got this,// the Miln echoed, suddenly receiving a stab of deja vu. Which he quickly shoved to the side. No. He had to stay focused. The Shadow was counting on him.

He opened his massive fist, revealing the data-spike, and offering it to her. //Let's do it.//

With Aurorae's order, the ship touched down in the relatively small hangar, and it's exit ramp hissed open. Zoar, for his part, walked his mech to a secluded room, and plugged into a terminal. Ready to assist, however he could.

He started by uploading the Nebulon-A's ship schematics to the HUD of Aurorae's helmet, taking the opportunity to connect to her comms as well, his cybernetics beginning to mesh with the systems in her mask. It was high-tech, so much so that Zoar doubted he could have sliced it at all, were he not given special access.

The hangar was relatively empty, with only grey-clothed workers performing menial tasks to wonder at the unscheduled landing. They obviously weren't expecting trouble, though, as they returned to their work. Not yet.

::The communications array is through the far door,:: the high-pitched voice squeaked, through the comms in Aurorae's ear. ::I'll crack it open when you get close.::

- Aurorae -

 

[Aurorae]

:: Yeah. ::

This time her voice came from within the mask. The systems within kept it from being heard from any but those she had a com set up with. Simple and effective to help communication. Easier than talking through her mind, especially since once the stealthed ship landed and she dipped down the ramp she had to turn her focus onto the stealth around her. Melding into the background to disappear from sight, from sound. A new trick Valery Noble had shown her, but one so incredibly useful.

Especially now.

She stepped past the workers, methodically finding her path of least resistance. As handy of a trick as it was, she couldn't rush without exposing herself. And if someone bumped into her, well. She wasn't a ghost.

:: Can you see the patrol patterns? ::

Zoar

 

[Zoar]

Zoar followed along, an observer from the cams in Aurorae's helmet as she walked past the working staff unmolested. His voice leaking into her comms was full of awe.

::How are they not seeing you? You're like... right in front of them.:: He trailed off, before his voice became more apologetic. ::Sorry. N-not important. Mission.::

The shadow reached the door, and right on time, it hissed open. A long, empty hallway greeted the Jedi, with the sounds of marching boots from far ahead.

::Uh... maybe?:: There was a long pause. ::I'll see what I can do.::

Zoar managed to slip his way into the security's radio chatter, pinging their comms. Using that directional data, he overlayed a series of regimented blips over the ship's schematics. They stayed still for a few seconds, before the next ping rippled out, changing their positions.

:: Passable,:: the Miln noted, critical of his own work. ::Looks like there's a stormtrooper patrol headed your way. Their helmet's sensors aren't designed to pick up stealthed individuals, but still... careful? B-but, you knew that already. Stupid.::

- Aurorae -

 

[Aurorae]

:: The Force can do a number of things. Like hide you from sight and even sound, if you know what you're doing. It's.. Difficult, though. And if there's any Imperial Knights, I won't be able to hide from them. ::

Step by step. Careful. Always careful. It wouldn't take much to break the stealth she made for herself. Even talking put a strain on that, but she wasn't going to not answer Zoar. Especially not Zoar. She moved, though, at the mention of a patrol. Shifted to the side of the hall, pressing against it. Falling still all over again. Patrols were an easy thing to evade. So long as she wasn't in their way.

Or they had a Knight. They were the biggest danger for this mission.

:: Breath, Zoar. We're doing great. You can freak out when we're not, deal? ::

Zoar

 

[Zoar]

Zoar took a few deep, wheezing breaths, attempting to calm his little beating heart. :: Okay, okay. I'll save the panic for if we see an Imperial Knight. ::

Speak of the devil.

Coming around the corner was a contingent of six stormtroopers, each marching in time with the others, their tandem footsteps creating a unified beat against the floor. Leading the charge was an Imperial Knight, in white plastoid armor, a hawk-like expression on his imperious face.

The bearded man seemed to pause as they walked down the hall, amber-yellow eyes staring around the hallway. He didn't seem to be able to see Aurorae, but he could sense that something was amiss.

"Sir?" One of the troopers sensed the Knight's hesitation, their helmeted head turning inquisitively to the Knight.

"It's nothing," the knight finally said, after scanning the hallway and pausing for an unnerving amount of time. "We have a job to do."

They continued on. The Miln sighed into Aurorae's ear, relieved. :: It looks like a straight shot to the objective. Let's get this done, and get out before the scary guy comes back. Yeah? Yeah. ::

- Aurorae -

 

[Aurorae]

Scary guy, huh?

Aurorae had frozen completely as the Knight walked by. Even held her breath, which was unnecessary with the mask she had on. Couldn't stop herself, not with the panic her Master had taught her. No, not panic. Just, unease. The Knight could sense her. Her colors weren't hidden. She'd have to figure out how to hide them at some point. Didn't matter. His pause had her breathing stop.

She didn't breath until he continued on his way. At least they weren't on high alert. Yet.

:: I want you to pull his logs. His information. History, military service, rap sheet. Whatever you can get. :: The more they knew, the easier it'd be to deal with him if he did catch him. The Shadow continued on her way regardless, slipping back into the main hall to continue the path forward.

:: Whatever you can get before I make it to the terminal, anyway. ::

Zoar

 

[Zoar]

:: Yeah. Okay. I'll search it up. :: Zoar's voice was noticeably higher, as he fought to keep his fear under control. It was the first enemy Force User he'd ever seen. Stormtroopers, he'd faced before, alongside Valery Noble . But an Imperial Knight?

It scared him, a little more than he cared to show.

Zoar guided Aurorae as best he could, small magenta blips lighting her way to the the main communications array. Only one other Stormtrooper patrol would accost her, but they were far easier to slip by, sans terrifying saber-armed gentleman.

:: Um... I had to keep my search small, the Espy's actively fishing for communications.... Buuut I got a few things. :: As he spoke, an errant thought urged the blast door ahead of Aurorae to creep open. As it did, the Knight's face flashed at the edge of her HUD. :: Jann Hassel. Used to work in Imperial Intelligence before joining the Knights... Uh, let's see... Lost an arm during the Battle of Ilum. And from what I can tell, Hassel still hasn't been cleared for combat yet. Not sure why, he seemed okay to me. ::

Inside the expansive room ahead were more tech officers, eyes glued to a veritible army of screens, hands cradling headsets to their ears as they listened. Troopers guarded the doors, walked the lines of computer terminals, stared on with their skull-faced helms, past Aurorae's position.

:: Any terminal will do, :: the Miln interjected, imagining cracking his mental knuckles. :: Just let me in. ::

:: Ah, please. And thank you. Ma'am. Master. :: The facepalm was audible. over the comms.

- Aurorae -

 

[Aurorae]

:: You're still as awkward with conversation as ever. It's good to see you haven't changed. ::

War and conflict always had the unfortunate effect of making people grow faster than they should have to. To see, well hear, Zoar still being Zoar, even now, was just a refreshing thought. Her brow knitted together though. A Knight, physically fit, not cleared for combat? Gave her a bad feeling. :: See if you can find incident reports around him. He might be more of a wild card than I like. ::

Well, not that there was long to think on it. Her gaze shifted the room, watched the patrols. Waited. There was no rush, right? And if any terminal worked.. She slipped to the closest to the door. The second closest, anyway. Just as the patrol left eyesight she'd slip the stick in.

:: In. Make it quick as you can. ::

Zoar

 

[Zoar]

:: We've never... Have we met? :: The Miln's voice, per usual, was a little spooked. :: I think I'd remember meeting a Shadow. ::

:: Or... maybe I wouldn't... :: Zoar stewed on that new thought. Had his mind been erased? Had he met Aurorae before? Maybe something about her was familiar, but he couldn't place his claw on it. :: Sorry! Mission, mission, mission... ::

Every moment the Jedi Shadow stayed still, Zoar felt just a bit more anxious. They were making good time, but it was limited. :: I... You guessed it. Hassel has had a few... um... 'manic episodes' is what the Empire calls it. During combat drills. Emotional outbursts, excessive violence... And they've already thrown him on the front lines again? Thats... cruel. ::

Finally, Aurorae was able to insert the dataspike. Zoar's consciousness jumped from her helmet to the small device. :: On it! May take a few... Wait. ::

:: Hassel's squad's coming back towards you. Breaking patrol routes. I'm not gonna have enough time! ::

- Aurorae -

 

[Aurorae]

:: Oh. Uh. We'll talk about that later. ::

Right. Oops. She didn't dwell on it, but there was a limit to what she was supposed to be sharing. Later, though. When they weren't in the middle of danger. Speaking of. Her gaze shifted to the incoming patrol. Inwardly she grimaced. All it'd take was an off feeling to come her way and see the datastick.

:: Change of plan. Wipe the whole system. Everything you can. We'll make it look like we're trying to sabotage their systems. I'll get the Knight's attention. Once you delete what you can, detonate the stick. ::

She stepped away from the terminal, slipping in the shadows towards the exit. Paused there for just a moment.

:: Trigger the entrance alarm. I'll lead them on a chase around the ship. Make sure ours is ready to leave once you're done. ::

Zoar

 

[Zoar]

:: Wipe the whole... O-okay, okay. :: That was a big change of plans. And also a pretty big ask. But it had to work. They wouldn't be Jedi if everything they did was easy, now would they?

As Zoar began systematically, and obviously, crashing entire portions of the comms array, workers began to shout in alarm. The Miln imagined he were a monster in some cheesy holo-drama, knocking towers of ones and zeroes to the ground with claw and tail. Despite his fear, he smiled, as he detonated the spike. Not bad.

:: Alarm triggering... now. :: Warning klaxons began to scream out across the ship, as the door to the room hissed open once more, letting in the contingent of stormtroopers, all securing the area. The communications array was suddenly hectic, with people running to and fro, tensions and emotions high.

But the Knight was nowhere to be seen.

:: Um... where's the- :: There was a sudden silence, as Zoar disconnected from Aurorae's helm.

Hassel had been headed toward the hangar, after all.

- Aurorae -

 

[Aurorae]

Aurorae readied herself for a mad dash out of the room. To pull the attention of the Knight and everyone else to her. Give Zoar a chance to get the ship set up for them to flee. Only the one threat she wanted the attention of the most wasn't there. She blinked in surprise at the familiar squad without their Knight at the helm.

:: Um... where's the- ::

:: Zoar? Zoar! ::

Everything had gone to hell now. Panic filled her mind as the only thing she could think of was the Knight had turned his attention to the ship. Of course he would. None of this happened until the ship landed and she didn't even think about that. She needed to stay calm, but at the same time she couldn't bring herself not to assume the worst. So, as the datastick popped off and pulled the attention of the guard she slipped past.

Slow and steady, calm. Breath. Zoar would be fine enough. He had to be. Triggering the alarm only made everything worse. The patrols were everywhere, trying to find the intruders. Her.

She'd really messed up.

Zoar

 

[Zoar]

Zoar had an on-again, off-again relationship with the Great Machine that was the Force.

It was a constant disappointment to the Miln, and he was sure the feeling was mutual. He was no incredible Jedi warrior, relying on his instincts and wisdom to propel him through danger. No, he was a little mouse, in a suit of armor, pretending to be a Padawan.

But in that moment, the gears of the Force turned, revealing just enough to save the little mechanic's life.

Unplugging from the wall, Zoar's magenta blade suddenly blasted to life, intercepting the sterile white lightsaber of Jann Hassel. The Imperial Knight, brown eyes ringed by subtle golds, grinned savagely. "Your fear betrays you, Jedi!"

The mouse made an undignified little squeaking sound, before thinking quickly, and frying the Imp's comms, as well as shutting the door to the shuttle behind them. The Knight snarled, hacking at Zoar in retaliation. The Miln was immediately on the defensive, unable to block every attack, as slowly, but surely, sections of durasteel-turadium plates were sheared off his form.

There was nowhere to run. He had to fight. And trust that Aurorae could make it back on her own.

- Aurorae -

 

[Aurorae]

It was a constant battle with herself to keep the stealth. Keep at the steady pace. Remind herself that trying to rush was only going to put them in more danger. But she could see them now. The colors, the danger. Zoar was alive still, but he was in so much danger. By the time she reached the hanger she couldn't keep it up. The colors were too bright. Thankfully the hanger seemed to have emptied to the bare bones. The explosion, the disturbance.

She sprinted forward, disregarding any aspect of stealth as she instead rapidly started tapping at the holodevice on her wrist. Opened the door, blasted through. Ignited the cool white of her own blade as she rounded the corner and thrust it right for the side of the Knight.

"Get the ship ready!"

Zoar

 

[Zoar]

When Aurorae finally entered the shuttle, it was clear Zoar was fighting a losing battle, what with the missing arm and all.

Golem's right ambulator, chopped off at the elbow, lay inert on the ground between the locked combatants. They traded blows with all the grace and poise of dueling rancors- which was to say, none at all. Strength clashed against strength, and though one would expect the ten-foot automaton to easily crush the human knight, it seemed the man's rage and training in the Force was enough to match Zoar pound-for-pound.

Lines of golden slag laced the mech, where glancing blows of Hassel's lightsaber had superheated the metal. Zoar was starting to feel an all-encompassing, mind-numbing panic enter his heart, clouding his senses. He was going to fail the Jedi. He was going to die.

Then, Aurorae came rushing to the rescue. The knight had to twist away from Zoar, batting the Shadow's stab away with a haughty sneer. "Not this time!," he growled, flexing his metallic arm.

//You got it!// The Miln wrestled against his fear. He wasn't alone, anymore.

Zoar, for his part, ejected out the back of his mech, shouting out a quick "Autopilot!" Golem shuddered, before continuing into a slow, methodical attack pattern, which Hassel was able to sidestep and dodge easily enough, able to keep his attention on the more dangerous Aurorae. Still, anything helped. Zoar rushed towards the cockpit, beginning the preparations for a hasty escape.

Jann Hassel continued his assault on the Shadow, his overbearing slashes and chops fueled by an unceasing, bottomless hate for the Jedi Order.

- Aurorae -

 

[Aurorae]

A one armed mech and a Jedi against a Knight. Who seemed too unhinged to just fight and protect Zoar easily. She gritted her teeth under her helmet before reaching out in the Force to him, his colors.

<Don't be overwhelmed. Let me in.>

All to meld them together. Put both minds as one. It was a trick Iris learned long ago how to use, but to use it with Zoar meant it'd be pretty obvious who she was. Right now though? There wasn't another option.

Zoar

 

[Zoar]

Suddenly, there was another mind touching his. Zoar's own mind immediately recoiled away from the alien sensation, a spike of anxiety coloring his thoughts, before he really understood what was happening.

Even when he understood, though, there was hesitation. His instincts told him to run away from the contact, hide, like he always had. There were things about himself that he didn't want to share.

<I'm scared,> his mind returned, as he physically shivered.

Zoar was afraid. But he was Jedi. And Jedi were brave.

He let Aurorae in.

No.

He let Iris in.

Suddenly, their minds were one. He understood Iris completely, could feel her intentions as if they were his own, letting her confidence wash over him. But similarly, he had to share his own feelings. They would both feel his inadequacy, the fear that choked his throat, as instinctual to a Miln as breathing.

The meld cleared his mind enough for him to bring the ship up, and out of the hanger. Now there was just the knight to deal with.

- Aurorae -

 

[Aurorae]

Inadequacy. It wasn't a feeling Iris was too used to, but it was one she'd felt before. Together though, as them, she'd shoulder it. They could do this. Together they could do anything.

<Don't be scared.>

She brought her blade around, weaving seamlessly between Zoar's own strikes. Making what was two into one in a perfectly timed sequence. Again, another strike, and the ship turned on. Another strike, and she brought her hand up to open the door to the ship. A third, and again she deflected the knight's blade and raised her fists.

<With me.>

All to unleash a blast of the Force to send the Knight scattering from their ship.

Zoar